Integrated Compressor Overload Protection for Pressure, Heat, and Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing air conditioning systems require multiple overload protectors for pressure, temperature, and current protection, leading to a cumbersome control process, complex structure, and high costs due to the need for separate components.

Innovation Solution

An integrated overload protection device that combines pressure, temperature, and current protection mechanisms within a single unit, utilizing a pressure diaphragm, transmission rod, control switch, heater, and temperature contact piece to provide comprehensive protection, simplifying the control process and reducing component complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple overload protectors (pressure switch, temperature overload protector, current overload protector) are used separately, then the air conditioning system receives comprehensive protection, but the control process becomes cumbersome and the structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines pressure protection, temperature overload protection, and current overload protection into a single integrated overload protector. The pressure switch, temperature sensing element, and current sensing element are integrated within one device, eliminating the need for separate protectors and simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining comprehensive protection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated overload protector performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors pressure through the pressure switch, detects temperature through the temperature sensing element, and senses current through the current sensing element. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized devices with a single universal protector that handles all protection needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple overload protectors are used separately, then comprehensive protection is achieved, but the cost of the air conditioning system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging pressure, temperature, and current protection functions into a single integrated device, the patent reduces the total number of components required. This consolidation lowers material costs, reduces assembly complexity, and decreases manufacturing expenses while maintaining the same level of comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate overload protectors are used, then each parameter (pressure, temperature, current) is protected independently, but the control process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter-specific protectionVSAvoidcontrol process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated overload protector combines multiple protection functions that operate independently internally but present a unified interface externally. The pressure switch, temperature sensing element, and current sensing element each monitor their respective parameters independently, yet they are controlled and monitored through a single device, simplifying the control process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The integrated solution simplifies the control process, reduces the number of components, and lowers costs by providing effective protection against pressure, temperature, and current overloads, enhancing user experience and system reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure diaphragm, a transmission rod and a control switch, wherein: a first end of the transmission rod is adaptively in contact with the pressure diaphragm; a second end of the transmission rod is adaptively in contact with a control end of the control switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

a heater and a temperature contact piece, wherein: at least one connection end of the heater is adaptively connected to a power supply end of the compressor to be protected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

at least one contact end of the temperature contact piece is adaptively connected to a power supply end of the compressor to be protected through a temperature contact adaptively disposed with the temperature contact piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3683910B1Overload protection apparatus and method, and storage medium, compressor and electric appliance
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES WUHAN
  • EP3683910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3683910B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed are an overload protection apparatus and method, and a storage medium, a compressor and an electric appliance. The apparatus comprises: a first overload protection mechanism (10) and a second overload protection mechanism (20), wherein the first overload protection mechanism (10) is arranged to perform overload protection on the pressure of a compressor to be protected, and/or the second overload protection mechanism (20) is arranged to perform overload protection on at least one of the temperature and the current of the compressor to be protected. The solution of the present application can overcome the defects in the prior art of a cumbersome control process, a complex structure and high costs, and can realize the beneficial effects of a simple control process, a simple structure and low costs.